STEP UP TO JUSTICE

QUALITY FREE CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS OF PIMA COUNTY THROUGH PARTNERSHIP, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION. Step Up to Justice (SU2J) is an award-winning, full-service, free civil legal center for low-income individuals and families in Pima County. SU2J’s pro bono service model answers a central question: “How can we direct quality free civil legal services to the most people in need at the lowest cost?” SU2J follows five guiding principles: • Innovation: The traditional one-on-one legal aid model will never close the justice gap; find the best new ways to tackle the problem. • Partnership: Harness the time and talents of willing attorney volunteers and other stakeholders to share resources and deliver holistic client service. • Technology: Use secure, efficient tools to help SU2J staff and attorney volunteers serve clients when and where they need help. • Financial Stewardship: Build a lean infrastructure that optimizes the social impact of dollars invested. • Quality Service: Ensure a respectful, high-quality experience for all clients, volunteers, and stakeholders. Prior to SU2J, only 6% of eligible clients facing civil legal threats received help. In response, SU2J has recruited 185 area attorney volunteers to advise low-income clients in areas of family law, domestic protection, minor guardianship, housing and tenant’s rights, bankruptcy, consumer protection, wills/probate, and employment issues. SU2J offers multiple tiers of civil legal assistance, from group clinics to direct individual representation for complicated proceedings. In partnership with Southern Arizona Legal Aid (SALA), UA’s James E Rogers College of Law, Arizona's Superior and US District Courts, and 20 other social service agencies that serve our vulnerable clients and families, SU2J is committed to helping all clients feel respected, understood, and confident that they have a strong advocate to help them navigate a complicated legal system. Together with partners in courts, social services, and the legal community, SU2J will bridge the justice gap in Pima County.